A Vested Interest

If you told me a few years ago I'd be rocking a denim vest like nobody's business, I would have told you you were crazy.  

Denim vests?  Been there, done that.  Bedazzled it. 

I  mean, really?  Denim vests are soooooo 1995 - or in my case, so 5 minutes ago...

Oh yes, five minutes this was happening.
Rocked this look at a Rochester Blogger Network event.
With converse sneakers.
Like a boss.

I have a feeling I've worn this outfit before...
Pretty sure it was in 7th grade...

In case you're wondering if the vest-spotting was an isolated incident, it wasn't.  I also wore it last week over a maxi.  It's quickly becoming my new favorite piece of clothing.

What about you?  Thinking about sprucing up your wardrobe?  Cooler temps throwing a wrench in your summer style plans?  Try (or in my case re-try) the denim vest; it looks cute over dresses, tanks, and tees.  It's a fun, affordable way to revamp pieces that are already in your closet.

You can breathe some new life into your wardrobe via the 90s.

And if 1995 calls and asks for her vest back, tell her she can't have it.  You'll be too busy listening to Alanis, watching Home Improvement, and signing your married name (Jennifer Gosselaar) in your five star notebook...

xoxo

Jenny

  

Two for Tuesday: The Stressed Out Edition

 Hi pretties...

Washing my face this morning, I got a glimpse of my dark circles and actually saw my forehead wrinkles deepen before my very eyes... the cause:  stress.

I wear it all over my face - and let me tell you something:  that shiz aint pretty.

Why so stressed? you ask...

Well, let me first say that I am LOVING life.  My family brings me so much joy and my professional life is exploding.  I am blessed beyond measure, but still struggle with time management and finding enough hours in the day.  There are so many exciting things in the works, I don't even know where to begin.  I assure you, this "stress" is self-inflicted and probably the most positive stress a person can have.  It boils down to me trying to cram a full time job (ok two...possibly three) into the two hours a day I have a sitter.  I always find myself  burning the midnight oil after the kiddies are in bed. So yeah.  It's crazy.  Good crazy.  But crazy nonetheless.

Want to know what I'm working on?

In addition to my blog, which can be a full time job in and of itself between this little gem and its local offspring Flower City Fashion and Beauty (neither of which I update as much as I would like...) there are two things taking up my time:

1.  My personal shopping business.  I love it.  I love my clients.  I'm getting paid to shop for crying out loud.  It's a dream come true.

A few weeks ago at my Personal Shopping Girls Night Out Event at Victor Kmart.
We had a dress the mannequin challenge.
Three contestants had 10 minutes to create a look - the crowd favorite was awarded a $25 gift card.  So.  Much.  Fun.

2.  Rochester Blogger Network- have you heard of it?  I'm the co-founder.  We just launched in June and am so excited about this project.  I am passionate about facilitating relationship among writers, businesses, and our local community.  I love seeing people make connections, build relationships, and get involved.  When local writers and bloggers come together - all those voices can unite to do really powerful things.  I can't begin to tell you how happy it makes me to see this dream become a reality!  This is only the beginning!

So, sure, I'm stressed.  I'm busy, but who isn't?  I think in order to grow, priorities need to ebb and flow. Yes, I have a lot on my plate.  Maybe I can't blog every day.  Maybe I can't do EVERYTHING, but I can do a lot.  I can find chunks of time here and there and seize opportunities as they come.  And even despite the craziness (and dark circles) I have such a peace about it all.   It makes my heart so full to know that everything I am pouring my heart into is something that adds value to my life and goodness to my soul.  So yeah life is crazy, but I wouldn't change it for the world!

If you are local, come on over to Salena's tomorrow for 20 Minutes and Margarita, sponsored by Rochester Blogger Network.  RSVP here. 

Hope you're having a great week!

I booked myself a massage for 6:30 tonight.  What?  I deserve a little break :)

xoxo

Jenny

  

Geek is the New Chic

Some of you may not know this, but - I wear glasses.  (Not all the time, just when I want to see stuff far away - like movies...or road signs).

Or Broadway Shows, which is what I'm doing in this photo.

I do love my Christian Dior frames (pictured above), but I'm getting a little bored with them.  I feel myself craving an even nerdier, cool artsy-girl-at-the-coffee-shop pair.

Like these babies spotted on Hilary Rushford.  Or these on Kimberly from Penny Pincher Fashion.

For a while there, every blogger and their mother was writing about Firmoo.  Apparently their glasses are FREE (or at least your first pair are free).  I'm suspicious... Anyone use them before?  Because, they have some really cute frames:

Then there is BonLook, also big on the blogger circuit (a little more pricey), but I think I like their frame selection is better:

Ah so many options - how does a girl decide?  Where do you get your frames?  Online?  Local retailer? Right at your optometrist?  Would love to know!  I need a frame-over!  ;)  Time to unleash my inner geek!

Hope you're having a great weekend kiddos!

xoxo

Jenny

  

Wacky Wednesday

What a day.  What. A. Day.

It started with me looking in the mirror to discover the largest pimple I've had since hitting puberty.  It's the size of a small child and smack dab in the middle of my cheek.  Pretty.

Within an hour of waking up and covering up my pimple,  I cleaned up all three P's: piss, poop, and puke.  Lovely.

On my way to Dinosaur Camp, I was informed via text message that my email had been hacked.  Perfect.

I had to bring my toddler to a business meeting.  Thankfully he brought his laptop.  He takes copious notes.  Pro-Fesh.

I came out of said meeting to discover parking ticket on my car (second one this week) for "Failure to Display Valid Inspection Certificate."  Apparently it was due to be inspected in April.  Oops.  Win-ning.

Later this afternoon, I had to pay a visit to an ophthalmologist for an injury incurred during a blow out a few weeks ago.  Yes, a blow out.  (Remember you are talking to a girl who fractured her tail bone during choir practice - not exactly a contact sport...)  So yeah:  wire-bristled round brush to the eye in one of New York City's top salons.  It hurt so bad, I half-expected to see my eyeball still attached to the bristles.  Thankfully I am still in possession of both of eyes and hopefully my new antibiotic and steroid drops will do away with any residual inflammation.  Crikey.

Tonight, after heating up some lack-luster leftovers for the hubs and kiddos I proceeded to inhale half a bag of Oreos for dinner.  Now I feel guilty and fat and am convinced that all that sugar is just going to lead to more mammoth pimples.  Just call me pizza face, or fatty, or One-Eyed Willie.  Serves me right for making fun of the hubs.

And with that, I'm going to go put some drops in my eye and go to bed.  I would cry myself to sleep, but that will just make me have to put the drops in again and in the words of Sweet Brown:  "Ain't nobody got time for that."

Peace out kiddos,

xoxo

Jenny

  

Two for Tuesday: It's all About the Shoes

Shoes can make or break an outfit.  They can also take a look from casual to dressy faster than you can say NORDSTROM Anniversary Sale.

Take this look for example:

1.  Daytime Flats

2.  Evening Wedges

Which to do prefer comfy flats or sky high heels?

xoxo

Jenny

PS- Outfit details:  Madewell sunnies, Arizona dress via JCPenney, Gap clutch, a million bracelets, Old Navy ring, Lands End Canvas flats, BCBG wedges.

 

Made in America Monday: KOKOON

Have you heard about KOKOON?  (Me either until just recently - I can't believe I had no idea about this amazing company!  Thank God USA Love List is there to keep me informed about all the best brands that are made in the USA!)  

KOKOON is a "boutique without borders;" a modern, private pop-up boutique, that brings their contemporary clothing line to women via private appointments and in-home trunk shows.  Think:  a high end boutique coming to you, not a tupperware party, or worse, a makeup lady trying to recruit you to sell lipstick!  (Come on, you KNOW what I'm talking about!)  KOKOON stands by the principles of  No Presentations, No Speeches, No Recruiting Tactics, No Multi-Level Marketing - just bringing the [made in the USA] boutique to you.  

Owner and Designer Laine Sou Weinberg says, “I thought a traveling, private boutique could be an amazing shopping experience if it was done properly. I know what makes me uncomfortable with home trunk shows and I assumed other women felt the same. So, we took the cringe factor out of ‘home parties’ and developed a concept that we and everyone associated with us could be proud of.”

Want to hear some great news?  KOKOON's Twice Yearly Online Sale and Clearance event is going on right now!   You don't need to put on makeup or dust your living room for this party!  There are literally hundreds of limited edition and one-of-a-kind women’s items that are proudly designed and manufactured in the U.S.A.  available to you at 30% to 90% off retail prices.  Ah-mazing!  You can check out the sale now here.   

Facebook :: Twitter :: Pinterest 

Want some more good news?  I'm teaming up with USA Love List to giveaway a $100 KOKOON gift card!  Contest runs until August 1 and you can enter here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Best of luck lovelies!

xoxo

Jenny

PS:

About KOKOON founder Laine Sou Weinberg:

Laine Sou Weinberg started KOKOON in 1987 when her then-boyfriend-now-husband, Richard Weinberg, took her first sample line on a cross country road trip and returned with her first retail store orders. Soon after, the fledgling company landed their first major chain store order. That led to many years of successful retail and catalog relationships which included Nordstrom, Bloomies by Mail, Dayton Hudson, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, Fred Segal, White House Black Market, and over 1400 boutiques.

  

One of Life's Toughest Questions

It's an age-old question that has been plaguing women for centuries.  If you haven't asked the question yourself, you've undoubtedly been asked it by someone else.  It can be an agonizing decision to make - one that can often be met with catastrophic results.  (A certain 6th grade slumber party comes to mind...)  Yet time and time again women around the world are asking:

I've asked myself this question countless times and have made many [many] hair mistakes.  I've had long bangs, side bangs, short bangs, long hair don't care, short hair that was barely there; been blonde, brunette, permed, crimped, curled, straightened, updoed, layered, and donated.  At the moment I'm digging my long locks and bangs, but the hubs is less than thrilled.  He prefers to see my rather large forehead in all of its in-need-of-Botox glory.  To each his own right?

I argue that I prefer the versatility of bangs:  I can wear them down or pin them back and get completely different looks, but if they weren't there it would be all forehead all the time - and that is just plain old boring.

What do you think?

Do you prefer this fashionista sans bangs or rocking some fringe?

I realize we are also looking at straightened vs. wavy here, but that's another story for another day.
Just focus on the bangs.
And don't be afraid to be brutally honest.
I'm not easily offended, and will just end up doing want I want to do anyway.
It is my head after all. ;)

So what's the verdict?  To bang or not to bang?

xoxo

Jenny

PS- Get your minds out of the gutter.  We are talking about hair, people.  Jeesh!

  

Two for Tuesday: Maxi Dresses

Maxi dresses are a staple in my summer wardrobe.

Here are two fab maxis (both from Kmart and both purchased on sale for under $20.)  Eat your heart out and be super jeal of my superb money-saving skills.

1.  Attention Women's Maxi Dress - Medallion

I cut off the belt loops and wore the belt at my natural waist instead of empire style.

 2.  Attention Women's Smocked Top Maxi Dress 

I removed the neck strap to make it a strapless dress.

Want me to help you look fab for $20 or less?  Hire me as your personal shopper.  It's free - and a lot of fun. Let's do it!

xoxo

Jenny

  

Made in America Monday: Botanicals for Hope (Giveaway!)

Happy Monday Kiddos!

Another weekend has bit the dust.  Doesn't it seem like summer is just flying by?!  Ugh - make it stop! 

I'm teaming up with USA Love List once again to introduce you to a fantastic American-made, eco-friendly skin care line that not only supports our local economy but gives back to a worthy cause.  Botanicals for Hope truly is "skincare that cares"- a portion of their sales go to help to patients battling cancer.

This natural skincare line is aloe vera based and loaded with therapeutic plant based oils and butters, medicinal herbs, and healing botanical essences that leave skin feeling soft, supple and healthy.  They are formulated without soy, dye, fragrance, or petrochemicals and are not tested on animals.  Natural skin care that's good for your body, our economy, and the planet?  That gives back to cancer patients with every product sold?  What's not to love?!

And I can happily give it my personal seal of approval!  I got to try their intense therapy balm and it is awesome!  It's supposed to be for your cuticles, but I've been putting it everywhere:  knees, elbows, and my poor dry feet!  I've tried all kinds of lotions, and body butters on my feet and nothing seemed to help until I tried this stuff.  My heels have FINALLY stopped cracking!  Love it!  They definitely found themselves a new customer! 

Dying to try it?  Shop now.  Feeling lucky?  We're giving away a $50 shop credit!   Contest runs through Thursday, July 25.

Enter here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Best of luck lovelies!

xoxo

Jenny

  

Look What I've Been Working On...

Hi Kids!  

Sorry for the lack of content yesterday and today, but I've been super busy putting together the Rochester Blogger Network Web site and gearing up for my big Kmart event tomorrow.

In the works....
Hoping to launch site at the end of the month.

Tomorrow night!  Come!  

Don't worry - my usual drivel will be back in no time flat!

xoxo

Jenny

  

Two for Tuesday: No and No

Remember the "Just Say No" anti-drug campaign of the late 80s and early 90s?

No?  God, I feel old.

Anywho...

I'm all for bring back the "Just Say No" mantra when it comes to certain fashion disasters.

Like these:

1.  Saddle Bags

I don't think I need to explain why this is a bad idea right?!?
Joan Smalls via Style.com

2.  See Through Pants / Space Cadet Expressions (or any combination of the two)

Kristen Stewart in Zuhair Murad via Instyle 

Just. Say. No.

xoxo

Jenny

  

Made in America Monday - The "I Want It" Edition

Here are a few Made in the USA items that I am currently lusting after:

Stephanie Dawn X-Large Tote $90

K/LLER COLLECTION $127

Paige Denim
Kylie Crop in Poppy Red  $189

Feel free to buy me any or all of the above.  Nothing says "your blog rocks" more than a free Made in the USA gift.  ;)

Hope your week is off to a great start!  

xoxo

Jenny

PS- Three more days to enter my most recent Made in the USA giveaway - get the scoop here.

  

Happy 4th of July!

Just a friendly reminder to stay safe while you're bbqing, boating, and fireworking this weekend.

And don't be afraid to rock your best red, white, and blue look - knee socks and all!

Loving the socks?  Be sure to enter my giveaway for $50 to spend at Chrissy's Knee High Socks here.

I'm taking the rest of the weekend off!

See you crazy kids on Monday!

xoxo

Jenny